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Qwen App rolls out paid tiers: office assistant up to 128 yuan/month, AI video generation priced separately

Alibaba's Qwen app has taken a significant step toward monetizing its AI services by introducing paid plans for professional users. The new pricing structure, announced on August 11, includes two main components: an office assistant subscription membership and individual quotas for AI video generation. This move reflects a broader trend in the AI industry, where companies are exploring sustainable revenue models beyond free access.

The office assistant membership comes in three tiers, catering to different usage needs. The flagship package, priced at 128 yuan per month or 1,499 yuan per year, offers up to 20 times the quota of the basic plan. For those with lighter needs, the elite package costs 49 yuan per month or 568 yuan per year, providing a quota of 5 times. The most affordable option is the advanced package at 19 yuan per month or 200 yuan per year, with a quota of 2 times. Notably, users who do not activate a membership can still continue using the office assistant, ensuring that basic functionality remains accessible to all.

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AI video generation, on the other hand, adopts a separate quota purchase model. Users can buy quotas in five limited-time special packages, with prices ranging from 26 yuan for 10 quotas to 968 yuan for 500 quotas. The quotas are valid for three months from the date of activation, offering flexibility for users who may not need video generation on a regular basis.

This pricing strategy comes on the heels of the Qwen app's recent feature expansion. On August 7, the app launched several new features on its PC version, including the office assistant, and integrated Alibaba's latest flagship model, Qwen3.8-MAX. At that time, these functions were available free of charge to all users. Now, by introducing paid quotas for professional users, Qwen is gradually transitioning from a purely free service to a hybrid model that combines basic free features with premium, value-added services.

The move is likely aimed at users who rely heavily on AI tools for their daily work, such as content creators, marketers, and business professionals. By offering tiered pricing, Qwen hopes to capture a wider range of customers while generating revenue to support ongoing development and innovation.

Industry observers note that this is a common pattern among AI application providers, who are seeking ways to balance user acquisition with profitability. As competition intensifies, companies are increasingly looking to differentiate their offerings and create sustainable business models. Qwen's approach, which includes both subscription and pay-per-use options, may serve as a blueprint for other AI apps exploring monetization.

For now, the office assistant remains free for basic use, but the introduction of paid tiers signals that Qwen is serious about turning its AI capabilities into a revenue stream. Whether users will embrace these paid plans remains to be seen, but the trend is clear: AI services are moving toward a more commercialized future.

Key Points

  • Qwen app introduces paid plans for office assistant and AI video generation.
  • Office assistant membership tiers: flagship (128 yuan/month), elite (49 yuan/month), advanced (19 yuan/month).
  • AI video generation quotas sold separately, with prices from 26 yuan for 10 quotas to 968 yuan for 500 quotas.
  • Quotas valid for 3 months from activation.
  • Basic office assistant remains free for non-members.
  • Follows recent feature expansion and integration of Qwen3.8-MAX model.